Vertical proof press



May 3, 1960 Filed Sept. 19, 1958 F. w. STANDIFORD VERTICAL PROOF PRESS 3Sheets-Sheet 1 as l4 EE 25'25 i32 as as as q :5 if 1- 4 o. :2.

I l i..l 89 ISL INVENTOR. FRED w. S'IyDIFORD HIS ATTORNEY May 3, 1960Filed Sept. 19, 1953 F. w. STAVNDIFORD 2,935,019 VERTICAL ROOF PRESS 3Sheets-Sheet 2 F's l7 INVENTOR.

FRED W. ST NDIFORD ms ATTORNEY y 1960 F. w. STANDIFORD 2,935,019

VERTICAL PROOF PRESS Filed Sept. 19, 1958 a Sheets-Sheet 3iiiiiiiiiiiilh FIG. l9

INVENTOR. FRED w. STANDIFORD HIS ATTORNEY 2,935,019 VERTICAL PROOF PRESSFred W. Standiford, Salt Lake City, Utah Application September 19,1958,Serial No. 762,182 Claims. (Cl. 101-283) niedi rates Fatent ly varyingthe pressure which the impression plate is to that the operatorphysically transfer the chase from the cart to the bed of the printingpress as would be the case with proof presses currently used.

In the past, many types of proof presses have been devised. There are noproof presses of which the inventor is aware which are vertical inoperation, i.e.,

presses in which the impression plate descends vertically, upon suitableactuation, to take an impression from a type-containing printing form orchase. A vertical press when provided with an access opening for aprinter's cart would be highly desirable and might easily be adapted fortaking proofs directly from a chase-bearing dolly or cart. This is donein the presentinvention by enlarging the space between the railsv uponwhich theinking rollers travel so that the powered impression plate maytravel through the rails to come in contact with the chase. Hence, theoperator is not troubled to transfer the case from the cart to the pressbed, but ratheris enabled to pull proofs directly from the chase whilethe latter is resting on the cart; further, spilling and misali nment ofthe type is not chanced, as would be the case were the operator requiredto transport the chase from the cart to the bed for a conventionalpress.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a verticalproof press in which proofs may be pulled from a type-containing, chaseor printing form without necessitating a physical transfer of the chasefrom its carrying cart.

, It is an additional object of the present invention to provide avertical proof press which takes a load of rolled proof paper, the pressbeing provided with knife means for simultaneously cutting or shearingthe proof paper to a desired dimension at the time the impression istaken.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide avertical press which will be useful for taking galley proofs as well asnewspaper-page proofs, and also, in addition, will be useful for takingmat impres- SlOIlS. 7

According to the present invention, a proof press is designed to exhibitvertical impression plate travel. The frame of the press is providedwith an opening of suflicient size to accommodate the rolling therein ofa chaseladen dolly or cart. Inking means are provided to ink apply tothe form so that mat impressions necessitating pressures several timesthat required for pulling proofs may also be taken.

Additionally, galley proofs may be taken easily by use of the press ofthe present invention by simply using strip paper and depositing thegalley trays on the printers cart.

The features of the present invention which are be lieved to be novelare set forth with particularity in the appended claims. organizationand manner of operation, together with further objects and advantagesthereof, may best be understood by reference to the followingdescription, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of the vertical proof press of the presentinvention illustrating the manner in which the chase cart (shown inphantom line) is positioned with in the frame of the press for takingproof impressions; for purposes of clarity, the activating mechanismassociated with the inking rollers is not here shown.

Figure 2 is a right side elevation of the vertical printing press shownin Figure 1. v

Figure 3 is a plan view of the top plate used in the apparatus'ofFigures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 is a plan view of the rectangular frame member employed.

Figure S'is a plan view of the impression plate used.

Figure 6 is a front elevation of the impression plate illustrated inFigure 5.

Figure 7 is a right side elevation of the impression plate shown inFigures 5 and 6.

Figure 8 is an elevation of the shearing knife used in conjunction withthe impression plate.

Figure 9 is an elevation of one of the cap screws, having bearingshoulders, which is used to mount the shearing knife in Figure 8 to theimpression plate shown in Figures 5 through 7. V

Figure 10 is a plan view of the rectangular support employed in thepress to mount theimpression plate pressure cylinder;

' Figure 11 is a fragmentary view taken along the line 11---11 in Figure1.

Figure 12 is a fragmentaryview taken along the line 12-12 in Figure 1.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary view taken along the line 1313 in Figure 2illustrating the activating mechanism associated with the inking system.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary 'view taken along the line 14-14 illustratingin an elevation the actuating mechanism shown in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a fragmentary exploded view taken along the line 1515 inFigure 2 illustrating one Way in which the inking'rails may bespringingly mounted to the press frame.

Figure 16 is a schematic of a DC. electrical system which may be used inconjunction with the actuating mechanism of the press.

Figure 17 is a schematic of an A0. electrical system which, as analternative, may be used to control the said actuating mechanism.

Figures'18 and 19 are fragmentary, side elevations and plan views,respectively, of the upper portion of the press structure, in amodifiedform of the invention, wherein the actuating cylinder is spring-mountedto the press The present invention, both as to itsframework in order topermit the impression plate affixed to the piston thereof to adjust, inits contact with the type in the printing chase, with the level of thetype.

I In Figures 1 and. 2, frame of the proof press consists of four lowertube members 11, and four upper tube members 12; these several'tubemembersbeing mounted as shown to top plate 13, rectangular frame member14,

and C-configured base frame 15. The several tube members are eachthreaded at both ends and are threaded into top plate 13, member 14, andbase frame as indicated at the lower right hand corner of Figure 1, withthe frame being made rigid by the provision of 'a plurality of lookingnuts 16. By such an arrangement, it will be noted that the spacingbetween rectangular frame member 14- and top plate 13, and also frame 14with respect to base frame 15 is subject to variable adjustment byvirtue of the locking nuts 16 employed. Such spacing adjustment may benecessary in the case of tube members 11 to allow for variations in theheighth of the chase carts employed in a particular printingestablishment. The pressure cylinder 17 actuating the impression plateof the pre'ss'fis 'mounted to rectangular support member 18' (see Figure10) by a plurality of bolts or other suitable attachments (not shown).The rectangular support 18 itself is affixed as by welding torectangular frame member 14. As is illustrated in Figure 10, therectangular support member for the pressure cylinder is provided with acentral aperture. This aperture is provided to accommodate the piston 19of the pressure cylinder 17 (see Figure l). The piston 19 is suppliedwith a flange 20 which can be bolted to mounting plate 21 (see Figure 5)of impression plate 22. A series of books 23 are threaded into top plate13 and impression plate 22 to accommodate the positioning of returnsprings 24 shown in'fragmentary view in Figures land 2. p

Rails 25 accommodating inking rollers 26 extend widthwise with respectto the press frame, and may be springingly mounted to the frame in themanner illustrated in Figure 15. Referring for the moment to Figure 15,a representative rail 25 is provided with an outwardly extending pin 27.This pin 27 is inserted into bracket 27',

' the latter being mounted in an interior region of each of the tubularmembers 11. Slide member 28, having L shaped vertical cross section, issupplied 'each of the several brackets 27'. Each of the several slidemembers 28 contacts the pin of the pins respective inking rail, Springbase 29 of bracket 27' provides a base support for a compression spring30, the latter being disposed between the base 29 and slide member 28.

Turning again to Figures 1 and 2, it is seen that supported between thetwo inking rails 25 is an inking fountain 31, the latter including aconventional fountain and ink supply roller. A ratchet wheel 33 isaxially mounted on the ink supply roller 32, and the former is driven bya pawl 34 mounted to the rear one of the inking rollers 26. The twoinking rollers 26 constitute-the rollers of a conventional inking truckwhich may include two, end, T-configured mounts 35. The axis mounts ofthe two inking rollers 26 may be aflixed directly to the base ends ofmounts 35 (not shown). Each of two opposite slide tubes 36in Figure 1has a clevis connection with T-configured mount 35 as illustrated inFigure 12. Pin 37 joins the two'members 35' and 36' together in pivotaljconnection.

Onthe lower left hand side of the frame 10 is a roll of proof paper 38.the latter being mounted to end brackets 39 bv means of central shaft40. The two end brackets 39, illustrated in Figure 2 are welded orriveted to the two, right-side tube members 11 in Figure 1 (see alsoFigure 2). l

In Figures 1 and 2 is also shown a base plate 41, this base plate beingconstituted by ahardened' metal such as stainless steel and beingafiis'ed to O-configuredframe member 15 as by means of welds, rivets. orother suit-' 4 r of base plate 41 is beveled or tapered so that chasecart 43 (bearing chase 44) may be easily rolled onto base plate 41 sothat the chase will be disposed directly in between and slightlyunderneath the two inking roller rails 25. Accordingly, frame 10exhibits beneath the impression plate 22 an accessible, free, open,vertical area 16 of unrestricted character and sufficient extension soas to be capable of receiving a chase-laden, printers cart 43 to berolled therein for temporary disposition underneath the impression plateand beneath the roller tracks, for impression-taking. V

Reference should not be made to Figures 5 through 7, in which isillustrated the'con'struction' of impression plate 22. First of all, thewidth of impression plate 22 is designed to be less than the spacingbetween the inking rails 25 in Figure 1 so that, upon the downwardtravel of impression plate 22, the impression plate will pass in betweenthe two inking rails 25 to come in contact with the chase 44 disposedupon chase cart 43." Impression plate 22. may be cast from aluminum soas to be light in weight; however, it may be provided with a mountingplate 21 (this being bolted'to impression plate 22 )so as to obtain amore even pressure distribution of the piston 19 of the pressurecylinder 17.

On the right hand side of the impression plate 22 it will be noted thata pair of leaf springs 45 are mounted. These leaf springs may beriveted, welded, or otherwise aflixed to impression plate 22 as shown inFigure 5. In

Figure 7 it will be noted that the action ends of the leaf springs 45'are curved slightly upwardly. This is for the purpose of coming incontact solidly with the upper edge of knife 46, illustrated in Figure 8as having an inclined, beveled cutting edge 47. The contact of knife 46with the two leaf springs 45 is best illustrated in Figure 6. Knife 46is provided with three slotted apertures 48 which correspond to thethree threaded bores 49 in Figure 7. The slotted apertures. in' theknife may be of similar or ofvarying dimensions as shown. The cap screws50 in Figure 9 have bearing shoulders 51 which come in contact with theknife 46 in the region of apertures 48 when the cap screws 50 arethreaded into the threaded bores 49 of impression plate 22.

The purpose of the knife attached to the impression plate is toprovidethe cutting or shearing of the proof paper 38 when the latter hasbeen pulled over the chase and the impression plate is caused.v todescend down to accomplish the impression function. The leaf springs andslotted apertures of the knife provide a safety feature so that in theevent the chase, serving as the cutter bar, is misaligned beyonddeadline decal indicator 25', the knife will not be damaged, but ratherwould be forced upwardly to a point of safety.

Oneadditional word about impression plate 22; it is necessary for properimpression taking that it include a cushioning layer 52, such as arelatively thick rubber sheet vulcanized, glued, or otherwise afiixed tothe under surface.

. always be in alignment in its to and fro travel..

able means. The central portion 42 o'f the forward'e ge 7 Figures I3 and14 illustrate one of' the two identical halves' of the actuatingmechanism associated with the ink rollers 26'. Each of'the two mechanismhalves are mounted, respectively, atone of the two points A on therectangular frame member 14 shown in Figure 2. Cvlinder 55 is providedwith piston 56 having a spring return bias within (not shown). Cylinder55 may be mounted to rectangular frame member 14 in a clevis connectionand secured in the same by means of pivot pin 57. The end of the pistonrod 56 is pivotally coupled to lever 58 by means of pivot pin 59. Lever58 has an outwardly extending shaft 60 welded to its base (see sesameFigure 14). Bushing 61 is seated as by a press fit in aperture 62 inshaft 60, and accommodates the slidable disposition therewithin of inktruck shaft 36 (see Figure 1). Shaft 60 itself passes throughpillow-back bearing 63 (mounted by conventional attachments torectangular support 18 at diametrically opposite points Bsee Figures 1and and is secured in position by means of lock nut 64, the latter beingthreaded onto the threaded end position 65 thereof.

In Figure 16 is shown one type of control system for the press. Airsupply 66 is coupled through conventional pressure regulator 67 (havingindicator 67' and control knob 87) to a three-way solenoid valve 68,having a neutral bleed-off position and provided with a one windingreverse current, opposite polarity solenoid winding. Connected to thevalve as shown are the impression plate pressure cylinder 17 and alsoinking mechanism cylinders 55 (see Figures 13 and 14). The electricalsystem associated with'soleno'id valve 68 is as follows. Power supply 69in Figure 16 is of direct current type. Its positive lead is selectivelycoupled through switch elements 70 and 71 to solenoid terminal 72, andthrough switch elements 73 and 73' isselectively coupled through switchelements 74 and 75 to solenoid terminal 76. Correspondingly, thenegative return lead of the power supply is selectively coupled throughswitch elements 77 and 78 to terminal 72 and also, via switch elements79 and 80 is selectively coupled through switch elements 81 and 82 tosolenoid terminal 76. It is to be noted in connection with spring biasedpush between switches 83 and 84 that each of the upper two switchcontact sets is normally open, whereas each lower switch contact set isnormally closed. When either of the switches is depressed, the reversedelectrical condition will exist. The reason for the inclusion of each ofthe lower contact sets of the switches is to insure that when one pushbutton switch is depressed and made operative, the remaining switch,even though inadvertently depressed, will be inoperative as to theeffect upon the solenoid valve.

Assume now that depression of the upper switch 83 will advance thesolenoid valve in a counter-clockwise direction. In such event, thecompressed air from the air supply and regulator will be directed intothe two inking mechanism activating cylinders 55 which will advance theinking rollers forwardly. The ultimate forward progress of the inkingrollers may be controlled by the design of the air cylinders themselves.Once the rollers have traveled their maximum distance, the operator needonly release the pressure from switch 83 to return the solenoid to itsneutral, bleed-01f position, in which event the air from the cylinders55 will bleed-off into the outer atmosphere, permitting the internalreturn springs of the two cylinders 55 to return the inking rollers totheir initial disposition. When push button 84 is depressed, then thesolenoid advances in a clockwise direction so as to permit thecompressed air to enter cylinder 17 so as to perform the impressionoperation associated with impression plate 22. Once the impression hasbeen completed, then the operator need only release the pressure fromthis switch 84 so as to allow the air in cylinder 17 to bleed-off intothe atmosphere by means of solenoid 68 returning 7 to its neutralposition and with the springs 24 returning the impression plate to itsoriginal upward position. The.

reason, of course, why the two switches 83 and 84 activate the solenoiddifferently is because electrical current of opposite polarity reachesthe solenoid in each of the two alternate situations.

Figure 17 illustrates an A.C. electrical system which may operate theair system of Figure 16 in a similar manner. In the case of Figure 17,for example, when switch 85 is depressed, one of the solenoid windingsis energized and the remaining (lower) solenoid circuit is renderedinactive by virtue of the opening of the ganged switch contact 85'. Thereverse situation occurs when switch 86 is depressed. In the case of.Figure 17, the

'6 three-way solenoid valve 68' has two A.C. solenoid windings which arealternately energized.

The two electrical systems illustrated in Figures 16 and 17 are ofextremely simplified types, and are merely illustrative of two systemswhich might be employed in the present invention. Other conventionalsystems wherein the operator need not maintain the push buttons indepressed condition during their respective cycles might reasonably beemployed.

Where it is desired that the press be adapted for both pulling proofsand also taking mat impressions, then the regulator 67 (of conventionaltype) may be adjusted by pressure control 87 so that the pressure can beset, for

example, for 100 p.s.i. for proof-work and 300-400 p.s.i. for matimpressions.

A final word about the proof paper feed of the press and also about anoptional self-leveling feature which may be employed to accommodate theimpression plate. Shown in Figure 2 in particular is a pair of frictionrollers 88 mounted in a conventional manner in between two of thetubular members 11 on the right-hand side of the press. These rollersfrictionally retain the paper 89 from roll 38. The paper is advancedover the type form by the operator pulling the paper with his left handwhile turning crank 90 with his right (the latter being shaft coupled toone of the friction rollers). When the paper 89 is cut during theimpression cycle, the friction rollers retain the newly cut end of thepaper in proximity with the inking rails for convenience in taking asubsequent proof.

I As to the impression plate, pressure cylinder 17 may be spring mountedto the rectangular support 18 so that, relatively speaking, the cylinder17, its piston and the impression plate attached thereto willself-adjust to the level of the type-containing chase. This isillustrated in the structure shown in Figures 18 and 19 wherein it isshown that the cylinder 17 includes a mounting flange 91 which bolts tothe rectangular support member 18 of the press framework by bolts 92 andnuts 93 (through accommodating apertures A), with compression springs 94disposed between the bolt heads H and the upper surface 91 of flange 91.Thus, where the level of the work in the chase deviates from the normalsurface level of impression plate 22, the impression plate upon contactwith the chase will re-orient-its level, by virtue of the action ofsprings 94, with that of the chase so that the pressure of theimpression plate upon the type-laden chase will be uniform throughoutits entire contact with the work in the chase.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatchanges and modifications may be made without departing from thisinvention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in theappended claims is to cover all such changes and modificatio'ns as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of this invention.

I claim:

1. A vertical proof press for taking proofs directly from atype-containing printing chase when the latter is disposed on top of aprinters chase cart, said vertical proof press including, incombination: a frame; a horizontally disposed, vertically displaceableimpression plate; actuatable means mounted to said frame and physicallycoupled to said impression plate for selectively advancing downwardlyand withdrawing upwardly said impression plate within said frame; a pairof horizontally disposed, parallel, inking roller tracks mounted withinsaid frame, the space between said tracks being suflicient for admittingsaid impressionplate therethrough during the impression plates travelcycle, said impression plate traveling therethrough during its travelcycle, the height of said tracks being sutficient to permit said cartand chase to be rolled thereunder for pulling proofs from said chase,and said frame exhibiting beneath said impression- .plate an accessible,free, open, vertical area of unre-jstricted character and suflicientextension so as to be capable of receiving. a chase-laden, printers cartto be rolled therein for temporary disposition underneath saidimpression plate and beneath said inking roller tracks, forimpression-taking; inking roller means including at least one inkingroller mounted. upon said tracks; and means for. selectively actuatingsaid inking roller means to ad- Vance andwithdraw said inking rolleralong said tracks for inking said type-containing chase.

2. A vertical proof press for taking proofs directly from atype-containing printing chase when the latter is disposed on top of: aprinters chase cart, said vertical proof press including in combination:a frame; a floor plate of hardened metal affixed to said frame; ahorizontally disposed, vertically displaceable impression plate;actuatable means mounted to said frame and physically couple to saidimpression plate for selectively advancing downwardly and withdrawingupwardly said impression plate within said frame; a pair of horizontallydisposed, parallel, inking roller tracks mounted within said frame,

. 8 knife having an inclined cutting edge; means mounting said shearingknife to that side edge of saidimpressiqn plate which is. nearest saidroll of paper when mounted for use; cutterbar means cooperable with saidknife duri g h downward. travel thereof; actuatable .means mounted tosaid frame and physicallycoupled to said impression plate forselectively advancing downwardly and withdrawing upwardly saidimpression plate within said frame; a pair of horizontally disposed,parallel, inking roller tracks mounted within said frame, the spacebetween said tracks being sufiicient for admitting said impression platetherethrough during the impression plates travel cycle, said impressionplate traveling theres through during its travel cycle, the height ofsaid tracks being sufiicient to permit said cart and chase to be rolledthereunder-for pulling proofs from. said chase, and said frameexhibiting beneath said impression plate an accessible, free, open,vertical area of unrestricted character the space between said tracksbeing sufficient for admitting said impression plate therethrough duringthe impression plates travel cycle, said impression plate travelingtherethrough during its travel cycle, the height of said tracks abovesaid floor plate being suificient to permit said cart and chase to berolled immediately underneath said tracks for pulling proofs from saidchase, and said frame exhibiting beneath said impression plate anaccessible, free, open, vertical area of unrestricted character andsufficient extension so as to be capable, of receiving a chase-laden,printers cart to be rolled therein for temporary disposition underneathsaid impression plate and beneath said inking roller tracks, forimpressiontaking; inking roller means including at least one inkingroller mounted upon said tracks; and means for selectively actuatingsaid inking roller means to advance and withdraw said inking rolleralong said tracks for inking said type-containing chase.

3. A vertical proof press for taking proofs directly from atype-containing printing chase when the latter is disposed on top of aprinters chase cart, said vertical I proof press including, incombination: a frame; a floor plate of hardened metal atfixed to saidframe and having a forward, beveled edge; a horizontally disposed,vertically displaceable impression plate; actuatable means mounted tosaid frame and physically coupled to said impression plate forselectively advancing downwardly and withdrawing upwardly saidimpression plate within said frame; a pair of horizontally disposed,parallel, inking roller tracks mounted within said frame, the spacebetween said tracks being sufficient for admitting said impression platetherethrough during the impression plates travel cycle, said impressionplate traveling therethrough during its travel cycle, the height of saidtracks above said floor plate being sufiicient to permit said cart andchase to be rolled immediately underneath said tracks for pulling proofsfrom said chase, and said frame exhibiting beneath said impression platean accessible, free, open, vertical area of unrestricted character andsuflicient extension so as to be capable of receiving a chase-laden,printers cart to be rolled therein for temporary disposition underneathsaid-impression plate and beneath said inking roller tracks,forimpression-taking; inking roller means including at least one inkingroller mounted upon said tracks; and means for selectively actuatingsaid ink.- ing roller means to advance and withdraw said inking rolleralong said tracks for inking said typeeontaining chase.

4. A vertical proof press for taking proofs directly from atype-containing printing chase when the latter is disposed on top of aprinters chase cart, said vertical proof press including, incombination: a frame; means for mounting a roll of proof paper inproximity with said frame; a horizontally disposed, verticallydisplaceable impression plate; a downwardly directed,- unitary shearing.75

and sufficient extension so as to be capable of receiving a chase-laden,printers cart to be rolled therein for temporary disposition underneathsaid impression plate and beneath said inking roller tracks, forimpression-taking; inking roller means including at least one inkingroller mounted upon said tracks; and means for selectively actuatingsaid inking roller means to advance and withdraw said inking rolleralong said tracks for inking said type-containing chase.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which said side edge of saidimpression plate is provided a plurality of threaded bores, the cuttingedge of said knife'is longitudinally tapered, said knife is providedwith a plurality of vertically slotted apertures corresponding in numberand position with said bores, and in which said knife mounting meanscomprises: a plurality of cap screws having bearing shoulders, saidknife being mounted on said shoulders via said slotted apertures, andsaid cap screws being threaded into said bores; and a plurality of leafsprings atfixed. to said impression plate and pressing down on the topof said knife. I

. 6. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which said knife mounting meansincludes spring means thrusting downwardly on said knife.

7. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which said cutter bar means isconstituted by said chase.

8. Apparatus according to claim. 7 in which said press is providedwith'a dead-line indicating means for aiding the positioning of saidcart and chase beneath said rails so as to position the same proximatelyadjacent to, but not in' interference with the travel of said knife.

9. A vertical proof press for taking proofs and mats directly from atype-containing printing chase when the latter is disposed on top of aprinters chase cart, said. vertical proofpress including, in.combination: a frame; a horizontally disposed, vertically displaceableimpression plate; actuatable means mounted. to said frame and physicallycoupled to said impression plate for selectively advancing downwardlyand withdrawing upwardly said impression plate within said frame; a pairof horizontally disposed, parallel, inking roller tracks mounted withinsaid frame, the space between said tracks being sufficient for admittingsaid impression plate therethrough during the impression piates travelcycle, said impression plate traveling therethrough during its travelcycle, the height of said tracks being sufiicient to permit said cartand chase. to be rolled thereunder for pulling proofs from said chase,and said frame exhibiting beneath said impression plate an accessible,free, open, vertical area of unrestricted character and sufiicientextension so as to be capable of receiving a chase-laden, printers cartto be rolled therein for temporary disposition underneath saidimpression plate and beneath said inking roller tracks, forimpression-taking; inking roller means including atleast one inkingroller. mounted upon said tracks; means for se lectively actuating saidinking roller means to advance and withdraw said inking roller alongsaid tracks for 9 inking said type-containing chase; and means fordiscrete 1y varying the pressure of contact of said impression platewith said chase in accordance with the discrete requirements of proofand mat impressions.

10. A vertical proof press for taking proofs directly from atype-containing printing chase when the latter is disposed on top of aprinters chase cart, said vertical proof press including, incombination: a frame; a horizontally disposed, vertically displaceableimpression plate; actuatable, self-leveling means including an actuatingcylinder springingly mounted to said frame at a plurality of points and'a piston physically coupled to said impression plate for selectivelyadvancing downwardly and withdrawing upwardly said impression platewithin said frame; a pair of horizontally disposed, parallel, inkingroller tracks mounted within said frame, the space between said tracksbeing sufficient for admitting said impression plate therethrough duringthe impression plates travel cycle, said impression plate travelingtherethrough during its travel cycle, the height of said tracks beingsufficient to permit said cart and chase to be rolled thereunder forpulling proofs from said chase; inking roller means including at leastone inking roller mounted upon said tracks, and said frame exhibitingbeneath said impression plate an accessible, free, open, vertical areafor impression-taking; and means for selectively actuat ing said inkingroller means to advance and withdraw said inking roller along saidtracks for inking said typecontaining chase.

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